Toshiba, the main shareholder in the NuGen consortium, is reportedly considering mothballing Moorside as it faces up to huge losses stemming from its US nuclear arm Westinghouse, which it said could threaten the survival of the whole company.

“The collapse of Toshiba spectacularly demonstrates why the UK should be in control of its own energy destiny,” added Bowden.

Earlier this week, industry body New Nuclear Watch Europe urged all political parties to commit to providing government loans for new nuclear projects as it outlined seven policy “must-haves” ahead of the upcoming general election.